Act/Scene/Lines
2/1/1-82: This passage is important because this is the act where Polonius sends Reynaldo to follow his son and slander his name with mild insults. This passage stood out to me because it seems an odd thing for a father who had just finished advising his son on the proper behavior to do. What could be the benefit in tarnishing a good reputation? Does Polonius believe that imperfections will make his son more accessible to the French people?
2/2/544-550 In this passage, Hamlet asks a player to add additional lines to his speech on "The Murder of Gonzago". It seems to me that Hamlet plans to make a jab at the King, or else reveal what he knows in a less-obvious manner. The King will sweat at the thought of being discovered as the murderer, and that is likely to make him ill-disposed towards Hamlet.
2/2/602-613 This excerpt is important because it further explains Hamlets reasoning for asking the players to perform the murder. He wishes to find out more substantial evidence than a mere ghost's sayings to convict his uncle before he avenges his father's death.
Matt: I agree with the second passage hurrr. I believe this play could cause great trouble for Hamlet. The king will recognize what is going on and will become suspicious of Hamlet. The king had no problem murdering his own brother. What is to stop him from murdering his nephew/son as well? Obviously the king has shown how ruthless he is. Hamlet could be putting himself in harm's way. If he is still going to try and kill Claudius, it will be much more difficult now because he will be aware that Hamlet knows what he has done. It would have been much easier to kill him while he believed he was in the clear.
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